Plan in place, start docket acquired from the local servo and off I go in the general direction for the 1^st Southern Cross Distance Riders SA ride to Mannum – SCDR 01 SA. Now to make things interesting am going Silo hunting along the way.

It’s quite windy and you can see the smoke & smell it from the fires in western VIC. First cab of rank is Tungamah Silo Art – theme birdlife and closed off to get close it (as many of them are now for some reason).

Tumble weeds are everywhere poor Dudley’s radiator was covered in them. Then onto Katamatite Silo Art and fuel….NOTE: Katamatite DO NOT have Premium Unleaded but I had no choice I’d’ve not made the next stop.

Felt like I was zig zagging all over the place and onto another C road heading towards Picola for the next Silo Art. The colours in the Lorikeet are amazing.

Into Echuca to top up with Premium and pulled a heap more of tumble weeds from Dudleys radiator – the whole guard was covered with them….could’ve led to him to having breathing difficulties. Quick call to Karl and off again.

The wind is still strong and it’s still quite hot but the wind is kinda keeping the heat at bay. Next stop is Lake Boga Silo Art and hopefully a loo. Found the silo but it took a bit to get to the correct viewing side, which is the dirt track to the left BEFORE you cross the train track. This art has only been finished for 6 weeks and they haven’t got the signage or everything finished yet (alas no loo – hang on Kimmie).

The 14.7 kms to Swan Hill was very spirited to get to the motel and my overdue comfort stop….ahhhh.

Pioneer Station Motor Inn for me, a repeat stay, convenient to fuel and if you are lazy (read buggered) like I was Macca’s for dinner. The local RSL does a really good feed but I just didn’t have the energy for the walk.

Early chilly Sunday morning, glad I packed a cardi but had to stop in Manangatang to put on my emergency wet weather jacket to keep the chill out. Clear morning sky and the moon’s still out.

Onto Ouyen for the Big Wheat Statue and coffee to warm me from the inside.

Into SA & Pinnaroo for fuel, then Tailem Bend and the pic of the Rhino I have ridden past so many times.

Turn off the Dukes Hway towards Murrayville then onto Mannum. I’d forgotten to turn off avoidances and had me cross the river via ferry to get to the pub…..unexpected and pleasant detour 😊

Was met at the Mannum Hotel by great blokes with smiling faces that were very glad to see me. The rest of the group arrived except for the guys from WA who were thwarted by fires that closed the Eyre highway. Great to see Hackle, Scotlan, Chicky, Quinny & Derrick.

Bordertown came and I needed a sleep so into the OTR for fuel and a power nap, unscheduled but you have to listen to your body.

On hunting more Silo Art which took me to Kaniva and this beauty….not me the silo!!

Nhill for fuel and just a tip…DO NOT stop at the Ampol Roadhouse on the outskirts – the servo only has pay at pump and the restaurant section is totally seperate and not open most of the time. I rode out and went to the next Ampol further in town who does both and are friendly. It’s getting late and phone tonight motel to let them know I will be late.

Next stop is the Albacutya Silo Art, well so I thought it was. Into Rainbow where Googe said it was but I couldn’t find it anywhere. Rode around for 20 minutes then on the way out asked a local couple who informed me the Albacutya Silo Art is 10km down that road. Look at the clock, did some mental calculations and decided safety and dinner was more important than travelling a dodgy C road at night.

Had to be in Wycheproof by 7:50pm to be able to order dinner at the pub or miss out. Arrived at the Mount Wycheproof Motor Inn at 7:26pm, quickly unloaded Dudley into my cool room..thanks to Kelly & Phil for turning on my aircon for my late arrival before a spirited walk to the pub for a coldy and dinner.

You have to stay here if you are coming through, the rooms are super clean, generous size, the bathroom just sparkles and the bed was so comfy I slept like the dead.

After a great sleep in over to the Bakery on Broadway Wycheproof for breaky and good coffee. Lovely place with outdoor seating and a good array of local wears inside.

No silo hunting today, although I saw many town signs that I could’ve detoured down to get but honestly just wanted to get home as it was going to be a hot one.

I swear, I must’ve ridden & zig zagged along ever C & D road between Wycheproof & Yarrawonga this morning. Although some of the scenery is wonderful and an experience that most people wouldn’t even get. How can you not love this view.

Lunch & fuel in Yarrawonga before the push home. Needed to stop on the side of the road at Tallangatta to top up the camelback and tip the remaining water down my shirt to cool myself down.

Glad to pull into the drive at 3:30pm Sunday with 2084.1 kms for the long weekend & SCDR 01 Mannum done & dusted with a tidy 1002km

Wudinna SA to Mildura VIC

To say it was cold overnight was an understatement – poor Dudley froze at -2deg. No amount of clearing the windscreen or mirrors helped as they just refroze, as for the seat…it was rock hard. It really was a lovely mornings sky though with the pink streak and moon shining down on us…just freezing.

By the time I got to Kyancutta (12 km down the road) it was -5 degrees and thankful again for the heated suit, cos it certainly got a work out. The fog was thick as again, so it was slow and steady going until I got to Kimba but was still cold. Was too cold to stop even with the sun up and I didn’t want to unplug my heated suit…lol.

A break in the fog as the sun slowly peaked his head above the horizon.

Lots of road trains again and all just motoring along. Into Port Augusta for fuel and coffee and to get the blood circulating again. Once all the fog has gone it is truly another glorious day.

Check in with Karl and get back out there to find the Wilmington turnoff. Now Mr GPS kept telling me to do a u-turn which had me very confused and had me pulling onto the verge a couple of times to double check on the phone.

Finally with my head sorted out and heading in the right direction, I take the Wilmington turn off, stop for a photo (not in the right spot) of the old Davo Banner shot and had a couple moments silence before heading into the range to enjoy Horrocks Pass.

Well there was no enjoying Horrocks Pass today as the caravan drivers would not pull over so it was a slow and painful wind through the range until I could finally get past them all. Through Wilmington and onto Orroroo.

Was hoping to catch up with a blogger I follow Vantastic Aus however our stars didn’t align but I stopped anyway and waved a g’day anyhoos. It so peaceful out here, I didn’t realise how much I missed it.

Have I mentioned what a beautiful day it is now…sunshine and lollipops for as far as the eye can see and a few fixer uppers that could use some love and attention….maybe some new foundations and brickwork too!!

I was asking a friend recently who travelled through this way, did they see the windfarm blade at Burra but my mistake it’s actually at Mount Bryan just north of Burra. Sorry for the bum steer Tina.

Burra for fuel and the accustomed servo prepacked ham, cheese and tomato sambo which I sat on a bench in town to eat.

Into Renmark for fuel and had to stop this time at Paringa for the Silo art that I missed on the way over before reaching the Yamba Dunlop crossing……it’s pleasant not to have the sun in my eyes at this time of the day.

I keep seeing this person following me, so take a pic just in case it’s a stalker…..LOL

Finally almost home…..well maybe not just back in Victoria.

Into Mildura, fuel up get some Red Rooster for dinner which was surprisingly not greasy and nice, then into the Mildura Motor Inn for the night. I really nailed it with this motel – it’s palatial compared to all the others I’ve stayed in on this trip.

Bed after the block and I get a sleep in in the morning as only a short 400 odd kays tomorrow.

Border Village to Wudinna SA

All the time zones messed with my head and I didn’t get the greatest nights sleep. Was eventually woken by the music of exhaust tunes. Waves from rooms across the carpark and the banter and comradery is fantastic. Had to put a little air in Dudley’s rear tyre and then off I go.

The sun is blaring in your face and with the mist/moisture still clouding the screen made it hard to see. It was a chilling 1 degree this morning with the sun coming up and I was wondering whether my heated grips were actually working..lol

Into the Nullarbor Roadhouse for fuel and coffee and appears this was the plan of nearly everyone that left BV this morning as they all started to roll in. Met Chicky and his group and I joined them before we all headed off again.

It really is turning out to be another beautiful day….why wouldn’t you want to be out here.

About halfway between Nullarbor Roadhouse & Penong have my very own Outback Truckers experience, complete with police escort and told to “get off the road” so gingerly edged onto the rocky verge. Seriously had no room if I’d have stayed on the bitumen.

Play tag with the Chicky and the boys until we roll into Penong for lunch. Our playing tag is an ongoing event throughout the day until Ceduna…like playing leap frog.

Into Ceduna and other riders share waves all round as there are several groups at fuels stops and everybody is absolutely fabulous as you ride by waving back at them all.

Staying tonight in Wudinna….home to the Australian Farmer. Bumped into some more new friends at the servo and wished them well for the rest of the journey. For me it’s time to check in at The Gawler Ranges Motel unload then head into the pub to meet Eric, brother Ken, Jeff and a couple of others that had mentioned they were staying there tonight so I bought them a round, while we chewed the fat and reminisced about our journey to Border Village for the 2023 Border Run.

Note for next time….book at the Wudinna Hotel Motel, the rooms are heaps nicer, modern, attached to the pub which is also very nice and cheaper than what I booked and what I have in comparison.

Swapped details with one of the originators of the Border Run & The Pudding – Eric and hope that he drops me a line when he is on his travels..cos as always, if you are on two wheels and need a bed, cuppa or garage, the door is open.

Back at my motel that offers nothing, I walked to the servo to grab a steak sandwich for dinner, then walked back in total darkness (which was a little scary) to my less than ordinary room where the air-conditioner doesn’t work and we are supposed to have -2 tonight. Edit – I did eventually figure out the air-conditioner and it stayed on all night.

Tomorrow is another day and hopefully my choice in motels is much better.

Ceduna to Border Village – The Event!!

Got a good night’s sleep and woke to the alarm. Get ready but tummy is not happy so wait another half hour before heading out the door at 6:30am. Noticed a friends bike parked up next door but considering the hour and not knowing when they got in left them to their schedule undisturbed. It’s dark so the driving lights are very welcomed. Thought I’d just sit on about 80-90kph and settle into the darkness before hitting the speed limit but that was cut short as a trucks lights were very obvious in my mirrors, so up to speed with all lights blazing very quickly.

First stop Penong for fuel and a couple of pics of the largest windmill as you do, then off again bound for Nundroo. There really is not much out here but so much……houses are scattered amongst the plains and the vastness of the isolation is so apparent. It really does take your breath away.

The obligatory road signs out here are a bit different to the cities but nonetheless very notable and a reminder that you still need to be alert. Thankfully the only wildlife encountered has already met its maker, so it was dodging the remains this morning about 10 kays either side of Nundroo (known wombat territory).

It’s fresh but not that cold and a little windy but nothing like yesterday, so the ride so far is pretty good. Had to stop at the start of the Nullarbor for the sign pic, naturally before heading down to the Head of the Bight. Well, admission these days is $18 and while I only want a couple of pics, couldn’t see the value in that so took one from the carpark and left…it wasn’t very good so isn’t here.

Into Nullarbor Roadhouse for fuel and coffee and meet a couple of interesting fellas and guess where they were going…yep Border Village….doh. They are a little surprised that I am riding on my own but leave me to do my thing and head on their way.

Fair way down the road and I take a turn to a vantage point of the Bight. It’s my favorite big chunky rocks and gravel…argh!! Too late now, you’re in girlfriend so gingery I wiggle my way across this terrain and park Dudley up safely and go and take some pics….I’m sure the caravaners were having a good old laugh at me. The pics really don’t do the view justice, it is breathtaking.

The road is in really good condition and I have no idea why it is 3 colours.

Anyway, did you know the RFDS has a landing strip on The Nullarbor (Eyre Highway) with what is like pedestrian markings for the start and finish of it…..well it does.

Into Border Village and some riders had already arrived yesterday and today with more to arrive as the day goes on. Across to get the pic of the SA/WA sign (which is under repair atm) before heading back to start the socializing and complete my check-in with SCDR – job done!!!

Old and new faces, only 2 female riders this year and time to chill out. 2309.7 kms from home…WOO HOO!!

Dudley rocks!!

Renmark to Ceduna

Woke early, porridge for breaky and just got going, left Renmark about 6am in a clear and warm morning, lights blazing. Still required the heated suit though.

Noticed the sun starting to rise in my rear view and couldn’t resist at least having a crack at getting the pic without stopping and well it’s not bad.

Pretty non eventful along the Goyder Highway this morning and very mindful that 6 years ago along this very same stretch of road, I it a roo, so eyes were peeled waiting for the giant hopping rats. Thankfully none of them turned up.

Not far out of Burra there was evidence of rain and you could see that somewhere up the road I was going to run into some. Around Spalding it started not much but enough to keep you on your toes. Zigged and zagged through the lush green fields in this area and the GPS had me going through Georgetown instead of Crystalbrook to get to my next fuel at Shell Warnertown. Now doing calculations, kays versus fuel I wasn’t sure this was a good idea. By the time I got to Shell Warnertown, it was raining good and proper and I had been counting the kilometers as I’m still losing about 30kays on the tank. I pulled in on reserve without 2lt left.

Asked the old mate at the servo what the weather was like heading towards the Gutter and he reckoned I should miss most of it, as I was going through the middle. Well, it was intermittent all the way to Port Augusta and beyond. What I did notice that has changed is all the windfarms popping up, they stand there like white soldiers waiting for the weather gods to instruct them to turn.

Had moments of clear sky and pulled into Kimba – Halfway Across Australia for a pic of the Silo Art, lunch at the Big Gallah before grabbing some fuel for the next leg

Not sure if I got more wet from the actual rain or from the road trains I had to sit behind. Even had my own Outback Truckers experience sitting behind a 1-1/2 lane wide load. Sat at a safe distance and when it was appropriate he pulled slightly left to allow me through and the escort vehicle did the same when I caught up to him. Lucky because you couldn’t see a bloody thing from all the road spray even sitting that far behind…passing was interesting.

Between storms on the Eyre Highway and a reminder that I haven’t got that far to go today…only 399 kms

I’d forgotten how long and ribbony the road can seem….almost like Wiley Coyote grabbed one end of it and gave it one massive shake and it just rippled all the way along the highway and you cannot see the end.

Wuddina for fuel and 3 BMW blokes pulled in, all with Dick Strawbridge walrus moustaches and it went something like this.

Bloke: gday love, you going to the Border Run

Me: yep but I got get going cos I have a hydration failure and need parts.

Bloke: Can’t help maybe something in Ceduna. Well see you there, have a good ride.

Me: Thank you and you too!!

Skies looking a little threatening…..

Off I go now looking to find a camping or sporting store open as I’ve no idea when they close. No fear of fuel consumption, cranked on a little speed to ensure I made Ceduna by 4:30pm. Local sports store doesn’t sell camelback anything but they kindly directed me to a camping store on the main street. They didn’t have exactly what I need but had 2x alternatives that I could MacGyver to hopefully make work…..problem solved. Fuel and into my motel for the night which has a restaurant attached so I don’t have to go too far for dinner, which I hear you asking….yes, it was delicious.

MacGyvered the camelback spares to fit what I needed and now have Frankenbak….lol

Home to Renmark

Now the time stamps on the camera photos are wrong as I forgot to set the time before I left, however the time stamp on my phone pics are correct.

Surprisingly, I was out the garage on time and up to get fuel and my start docket before 7am.

The fog, potholes, wildlife & black ice has been pretty bad on the Murray Valley Highway lately, so I made the decision earlier in the week to go out through Walwa, Jingelic to Holbrook and then meet the freeway, which turned out to be the right choice. Fog was still pretty bad and the going was slow but safe.

20kms out of Holbrook and its all sunshine and lollipops and stayed this way for the rest of the day.

Take the Yarrawonga exit and head out to Corowa for fuel and an unscheduled fuel stop and a coffee for me. Back out and through to Deniliquin for the next fuel stop. Nothing exciting to report, just fresh air and lots of road trains in both directions. The Canola fields are starting to show their colour and are all over the place.

Up the Cobbs Hway and take the Pretty Pine turn off. There are lots of road works on the Moulamein/Kyalite Rd, dodging one hole or gravel to miss another. Came across one set of lights that had a physical timer on them…first time I’ve seen this on a road work site.

The skies are as blue as with wispy clouds all over the place. The telegraph soldiers still line this road and I gave then a tiny salute as I rode past them.

A combination of cross and head winds along this stretch was unrelenting and there wasn’t many vehicles on this road and thankfully for that as the dodging of road repairs & bad surfaces was insane. Compared to home it’s warming up and by the time I get to Balranald for lunch, it’s time to peel off some layers and a balmy 26 degrees.

Coming into Euston and since the last time I was through here there are so many changes – housing estates and new factory/warehousing amazing have popped up everywhere.

It’s an absolutely beautiful today the skies have been like this for nearly the entire time. Oh boy, I’ve missed this, riding around the country smelling and seeing all that is out there to offer.

Into Mildura, checked out where my motel is for the return trip and out the other side in no time. However, head winds meet me now. I’ve been cruising nicely with the cruise control but now doing calculations and decide to make an adjustment to ensure I reach Renmark on the one tank.

The sun is starting the lower now and at that awkward position as I spy the “Welcome to South Australia” sign, naturally have to stop. Naturally all the cars and trucks I’ve overtaken now pass me on the side of the road…LOL.

In Yamba check point for the mandatory inspection, the guy is very nice and laughed when I told him all I had was hot chocolate and porridge in an esky in my top box. The surprised look on his face when he witnessed the truth of my cargo was priceless….LOL.

Into Remark, fueled up, checked in and off for Chinese down the road for dinner.

A big day for me and Dudley, total of 894.5 kays for the day – a bit more than I’d planned but all things considered (lack of ride fitness) , I feel pretty good. Qualified ride for SCDR 800 completed.